Roohealthcare.com – There are several ways to prevent lung cancer, but perhaps the most important one is not smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but environmental factors can also increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. For that reason, the most important lung cancer prevention tip is to quit smoking. It is important to note that non-smokers are also at risk for lung cancer. Often, the disease’s symptoms go undetected. These symptoms may include a persistent cough, hemoptysis, shortness of breath, uneasiness, finger clubbing, or chest pain.
Lowering the Risk of Lung Cancer
Although there is no known cure for lung cancer, lowering your risk by limiting exposure to tobacco smoke and secondhand smoke is an important part of lung cancer prevention. If you have a family history of the disease, talk with your health care team to see if there are any ways you can lower your risk. Moreover, the earlier a person is diagnosed with lung cancer, the better. Although the symptoms of lung cancer are sometimes mistaken for a viral infection or a “smoker’s cough,” the early detection of lung cancer is crucial to its cure.
People with an immediate family history of lung cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease. These increases are the result of genetics and environment. Your doctor may recommend regular screenings to help reduce your risk. Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace also increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. Exposure to air pollutants is the most common cause of lung cancer, with about 1.3 million US workplaces exposing people to hazardous levels of air pollutants.
Another helpful way to prevent lung cancer is by eating a healthy, low-fat diet that is high in fruits and vegetables. Ideally, a person should aim to consume at least five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables each day, including plenty of wholegrains. In addition, regular physical activity reduces the risk of lung cancer. Most adults are advised to perform 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or strength-training exercises at least two days a week.
The Best Way to Lower Your Risk of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer prevention can also be individualized to fit the lifestyle of a person. Currently, screening procedures are conducted by low-dose chest CT scans on individuals who meet certain criteria. People at high risk for lung cancer should undergo screenings to detect the disease early. The best way to lower the risk of developing the disease is to change your lifestyle habits.
Regular lung cancer screening is recommended for adults without any symptoms, those who have been smoking for a long time, and for those over 65 years. A doctor can refer patients to high-quality screening facilities. Screening tests for lung cancer are limited, but new tools are available that are much more sensitive. For instance, the low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan can detect lung cancer in people who have been exposed to high levels of carcinogens in their workplace.
While cigarette smoking may pose a low risk of developing lung cancer, there are numerous other cancers that can result from smoking. For example, the American Cancer Society reports that smoking will result in 12% of new cases and 21% of all cancer deaths in the United States in 2022. Further, cigarette smoking is one of the most preventable causes of death from lung disease.
Various Risk Factors and How to Avoid Them
While smoking is the number one risk factor for developing NSCLC, people with any of the other risk factors are also at risk. The PDQ cancer information summary provides comprehensive evidence-based information on how to prevent lung cancer. The aim of the summary is to help patients and their families make informed decisions regarding their health and lifestyle. While the document does not include formal guidelines, it does provide updated information on lung cancer prevention. So if you have a family history of smoking, it is vital to be aware of the various risk factors and how to avoid them.
If you do smoke, you should quit smoking. The risk of getting lung cancer is high enough without letting the smoke accumulate in your body. Tobacco smoke has several risks, including toxicity from chemicals in cigarettes. For example, the tar content in cigarettes is a poison that is harmful to the lungs and will increase your risk of lung cancer.
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in men and women. A person’s risk depends on the number of cigarettes smoked, the length of time they smoke, and other factors. However, quitting smoking is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of developing lung cancer. Several smoking cessation aids are available today, including Chantix and Zyban.
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